Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic has been fined $3000 by the FFA after breaching the FFA National Code of Conduct.
Additionally, Popovic received a formal reprimand for his comments during a post-match interview following his side’s 3-0 loss at the hands of Melbourne Victory on November 12. His punishment was softened slightly as this is his first offence.
Popovic’s comments revolved around an incident where referee Jared Gillett opted against awarding a penalty to Popovic’s Wanderers following a crudely-timed tackle by Victory fullback Jason Geria on Jumpei Kasakumi.
“It was a clear penalty. There will not be a clearer one in the A-League this season.” Popovic said of the incident, before pointing to the Wanderers record of one win in 11 matches where Gillett was the match referee.
Post-match, Victory boss Kevin Muscat agreed with Popovic’s summation that a penalty should have been awarded.
Coincidentally, the charge is reminiscent of the $5000 fine which Muscat himself copped for his comments following his side’s FFA Cup semi-final loss at the hands of cross-city rivals Melbourne City.
“It is important that all players and coaches consider their words carefully when offering their thoughts post-match,“ A-League boss Greg O’Rourke said.
“Any comments direct or implied that reflect on the integrity of a referee are unacceptable and will be acted upon in line with our code of conduct.
Popovic now has seven days to appeal the FFA’s decision.
Ken
Guest
though NOT to the detriment of the game
Ken
Guest
Some would say players and coaches have too much of a say, especially when games are played. Otherwise coach and captain should be given freedom to express their own opinion, though to the detriment of the game. Popa's comment implies match-fixing, something channel 7 would eat up.
Cameron
Roar Guru
It really isn't, Waz. But sadly most don't see it this way.
Buddy
Guest
Thanks Waz, I was at the game and didn't see the press conference. I would say that is a bit out of character for Popa, he must have been very frustrated and directed it in the wrong place. It should have been at the team as they were very poor for the most part. I'd still say that in sport in general, there is too much of a gag placed on coaches and players. Whilst comment is always subjective, it does appear that there is very little freedom of expression and I am not advocating abuse and insults, just a view. In last Friday's game there is surely nothing wrong with suggesting that the AR made a poor decision in relation to offside or even suggesting that because a player had been offside 5 or 6 times prior to the goal, it didn't mean he was automatically offside everytime!
Waz
Guest
But coaches are allowed to critique the referee and give their opinion on incidents. It's just that Poppa accused the refereee in this case of fixing games against WSW. Why couldn't he just say "that was a dead set penalty" and move on .... it's not hard is it?
Buddy
Guest
I can honestly say I have never understood why in a post match interview, a coach is not allowed to comment about what he felt should and shouldn't have happened as long as it is not personal and insulting or questioning the integrity of the match officials. TP should be able to say that he thought there was a tackle worthy of a penalty in that game and he could have well speculated as to whether he thought it might have altered the way the game went. I don't see the harm in that. for what its worth, I was sitting in an area along the side where I had a perfect view of the assistant on the tunnel side and I counted five separate occasions where he failed to keep up with play - as in the second last defender and therefore was unable to make a qualified decision as to whether players were offside or not. On two occasions he was running pretty fast to catch up and not stepping along side to side the way they are taught. I didn't see the interview so am not commenting on whether or not TP broke the code of conduct. Mind you, I've always reckoned that a coach should take along some unknown person to an interview and when it comes to the juicy bits...let him or her answer and comment. It would go something like this........"What did you think of the decision not to award a penalty Mr Popa?" - assistant chimes in "Well, if I was the coach of WSW, I'd be hopping mad right now as it was a really bad tackle that fully deserved a penalty and I don't see how the referee couldn't see that. He must have been watching something totally different at the time not to award a pretty stock standard penalty". I'd like to see that played out by someone like KM at Victory, just to see if he could stay silent long enough for his "mate" to get the words out and for him not to get into trouble!